Q: You’ve been at the centre of the UK recruitment conversation for years. What’s changed the most about the industry in the last five? What’s the biggest shift you’ve seen in recruiter behaviour or mindset?
LT: Well apart from the adoption of AI, I’d say the biggest shift has been the realisation that recruiters must be more than just transactional. Many amazing recruiters have known this ever since I joined the recruitment industry. However, in the past five years there's a growing focus on long-term value, personal branding, community engagement, and forming actual relationships with clients and candidates. Recruiters today are much more aware of the need to build credibility and trust - not just hit numbers. Yes, tech has played a huge part, but I’m pleased to say it’s the human side that’s evolved the most.
Q: You’re the connector of connectors. What’s the biggest shift in the UK recruitment scene?
LT: There’s more openness. 10 years ago I started hosting Recruitment Directors events and people told me I’d never get recruiters together in a room being honest with each other! They were wrong, but still many recruiters were guarded. Now I feel there’s a real appetite for sharing, peer learning, and collaborative growth. People realise they don't have to go it alone, I see all the “networks” facilitating this.
Q: What’s one event you think every recruiter should know about?
LT: I always recommend the Recruitment Agency Expo to see what products and services are available and to hear what other recruiters are implementing in their own businesses.
Q: From your perspective, what makes a great recruitment tech vendor? And what makes recruiters switch off on a demo?
LT: I think recruiters are very tough to sell to. Obviously, some are seeking tech, and they are open to conversations, but the ones who aren’t actively looking for tech products really hate being pitched to. The best vendors research, understand the market, under the potential client and listen first. They don’t sell - they solve. If you start with features instead of problems - you’ve probably lost them.
Q: What are the most common mistakes recruiters make when adopting new tools or platforms?
LT: Rushing in without internal buy-in. Or expecting the tech to solve problems without changing any behaviours. Implementation without intention never works. You need a plan, a champion, and time.
Q: You’ve built a trusted brand with a loyal community. What’s been your secret to staying relevant and respected? Any advice for others trying to build trust in a noisy space?
LT: Be human. Sorry, it’s nothing more “mysterious”.
Always give more than you take. I’ve never tried to be the loudest voice - just the most useful. And I never pretend to know it all; that’s where having a large network helps - I just connect the people who do.
Q: If you could change one thing about the recruitment industry overnight, what would it be?
LT: I’d love to remove the “them and us” divide between in-house and agency recruiters.
Quickfire Round
- Biggest pet peeve on LinkedIn? Inspirational posts with no substance
- One event (besides your own) you never miss? Agency Expo (as mentioned earlier) and RecFest - brilliant energy, great connections.
- One thing you always say on a panel? “Here’s what I’ve seen work...”
